Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have been the cornerstones of Argentina’s recent success (Image: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi offered a touching promise to Angel Di Maria ahead of his upcoming retirement from international football. Di Maria and Messi starred in La Albiceleste’s 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semi-final.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have the opportunity to win their third major international competition in four years when they face either Colombia or Uruguay in the final on Monday. The long-serving Argentine duo have donned the iconic blue and white stripes for nearly 20 years and even clinched an Olympic gold medal back in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Through a haze of tears, Di Maria affirmed that he would bow out of international football after the final, win or lose. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid winger revealed that Messi and his team-mates offerered a heartfelt pledge that left him emotional.
After their 2-0 victory, Di Maria said: “I think I can leave with a great performance. I’ve done everything I could to achieve that. It’s my job. I do the job I have to do. I always try to do my best. I always gave my life for this shirt.
“There were times when I wasn’t lucky. Lately, I have been really lucky. I am grateful to everyone who has always supported me, to my family and to this team that gave me everything.
“Today before the match, Leo [Messi] said that they wanted to reach the final for me and that makes me very proud. To have the chance to achieve everything I’ve achieved recently with all of them is a source of pride for me.”
Di Maria’s swansong for Argentina is set to take place in the final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,326, reports the Mirror. With an impressive tally of 144 international caps, 31 goals, and 32 assists over 16 years, Di Maria stands as Argentina’s fourth most-capped player of all-time.
Di Maria could not hide his emotions during the interview (Image: TyC Sports)
He also revealed that his team-mates tried to convince him to reverse his decision. However, he confirmed he will not change his mind, stating that next week is the appropriate time to bow out.
He continued: “I’m not ready for my last game with the national team, but it’s time. I dreamed of this and my dream came true, reaching another final.
“My team-mates already know that there is no turning back, that my mind is made up. They support the decision I made. There’s only one game left. It’s what I wanted. I feel it’s the right time. That’s it.
“I gave everything I had to give. I gave my life for this shirt and I think it’s the perfect time to say goodbye. It’s decided. There is no turning back.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1921375/lionel-messi-angel-di-maria-argentina-copa-america